The 7 Levels of Streamers

Summary

This video breaks down the seven levels of streamers, from the unknown beginners to the icons. It starts with level one, where most streamers are just getting started, to level two where clout chasers thrive off of drama and collaborations. As the levels progress, streamers gain more influence, with level five marking the elite stars pulling tens of thousands of viewers. Level six sees cultural shifts driven by the likes of XQC and Pokimane, while level seven, reserved for the biggest icons like Kai Sanad and IShowSpeed, signifies global recognition that transcends the streaming world itself.

Takeaways

• 😀 Level 1: The 'NPC' stage represents unknown streamers who are just starting out and don't yet know the complexities of streaming, with many never advancing beyond this level.
• 😀 Level 2: Clout chasers depend on bigger streamers and drama to gain attention, using tactics like clips, collabs, or controversial behavior. Many never sustain success beyond this level.
• 😀 Level 3: The 'Grinder' level is where streamers maintain consistent, but not groundbreaking, success. It's the sweet spot for streamers who find comfort in staying relevant without skyrocketing to fame.
• 😀 Level 4: Entertainers, averaging thousands of viewers, thrive on being charismatic and skilled. They may excel in gaming, music, or IRL content, becoming a recognizable part of Twitch culture.
• 😀 Level 5: The 'Star' level is a rare and elite group, including top-tier streamers like Tim the Tapman or Shroud, who consistently pull massive numbers, achieving mainstream recognition.
• 😀 Level 6: Streamers at this level cause a cultural shift. Names like XQC and Pokimane define and influence trends, setting the tone for both content and community dynamics on platforms like Twitch.
• 😀 Level 7: Icons transcend streaming to become household names, competing with athletes, rappers, and global celebrities. Streamers like Kai Sanad and IShowSpeed exemplify this top tier, dominating both online and offline cultures.
• 😀 Streaming is a pyramid with each level representing distinct tiers of influence, ranging from unknowns at the bottom to cultural icons at the top, showing how competitive and evolving the space is.
• 😀 Clout chasing at level 2 can often lead to short-lived fame, as the content is often seen as low-effort or reactionary, relying heavily on collaborations or viral moments rather than long-term value.
• 😀 Streamers at level 5 and above are not just popular within gaming, but are recognized across different industries, and their success is no longer confined to Twitch or YouTube alone, with mainstream media recognizing them.

Q & A

What are the seven levels of streamers mentioned in the video?

The seven levels are: Level 1 - NPCs (unknown streamers), Level 2 - Clout Chasers, Level 3 - Grinders, Level 4 - Entertainers, Level 5 - Stars, Level 6 - Cultural Shifts, and Level 7 - Icons.

What characterizes streamers at Level 1?

Level 1 streamers are beginners who are just starting with streaming. They usually have little to no audience and often view streaming as an easy way to get famous. They may not have a clear concept of what streaming involves, and most stay at this level indefinitely.

What is a 'clout chaser' in the context of Level 2 streamers?

Clout chasers at Level 2 are streamers whose content relies heavily on attaching themselves to bigger names, collaborating for views, and creating manufactured drama. They thrive off getting attention rather than building a unique brand or skill.

How do Level 3 streamers differ from those at other levels?

Level 3 streamers, or 'grinders', are those who stay relevant through consistent effort, often with gaming or reaction content. They are more established than beginners but don't have the innovation or reach to redefine platforms like Twitch.

Why are Level 4 streamers considered entertainers?

Level 4 streamers are skilled in engaging and entertaining large audiences, often with tens of thousands of viewers. They may focus on games, music, or IRL content, and they have mastered the art of keeping their audience hooked through their personality or expertise.

Who are some examples of popular streamers in Level 5?

Level 5 streamers are considered stars, with viewership ranging from 15K to 50K+ viewers consistently. Examples include gaming legends like Tim the Tapman, Shroud, and Tfue, as well as personalities like Hassanabi and Valkyrie.

What makes Level 6 streamers stand out?

Level 6 streamers are cultural shifts, influencing not only the streaming community but also mainstream media. They are household names with significant media presence, such as XQC, Pokimane, and Ninja. These streamers have crossed the boundary of being just Twitch personalities to becoming global icons.

How does a streamer reach Level 7, and who exemplifies this level?

Level 7 is reserved for streamers who transcend Twitch and become icons in the broader entertainment industry. These individuals are globally recognized, competing with celebrities from other fields. Examples include Kai Sanad and IShowSpeed, who have achieved massive fame beyond gaming and streaming.

What impact did Kai Sanad have on streaming, according to the script?

Kai Sanad revolutionized streaming by turning his subathons and streams into major events. His approach to making streaming feel like live TV, with constant interaction and improvisation, has made him the face of Twitch and a central figure in online content creation.

How did IShowSpeed grow his fame, and why is he an example of a Level 7 streamer?

IShowSpeed became a global icon after overcoming controversies and expanding his reach on platforms like YouTube. His chaotic, high-energy streams resonated worldwide, and his fame extends across multiple continents, solidifying his place as a Level 7 streamer.